EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Peyton Manning will return in 2014, playing his 17th NFL season at 38. Despite much discussion during the run-up to the Super Bowl about Manning possibly retiring after the game — much like boss John Elway did 15 years ago — Manning is healthy enough and remains devoted enough to his game and his Denver Broncos teammates that he won't consider quitting.

"I feel better physically," Manning said last week. "I've been rejuvenated playing under a different offense, playing with new receivers, because it keeps me stimulated every day. So I certainly would like to keep playing."

But the Broncos face a tricky offseason in which several of the key pieces who play around Manning are set to become free agents. Denver won't be able to afford all of them, meaning the Broncos offense that set so many records in 2013 could look markedly different in September.

Such is the problem for a successful team with a big-money quarterback. So how do the Broncos avoid being the 2013 Baltimore Ravens, who were forced to part with several big-name veterans after playing in the Super Bowl last season?

Among the Broncos' priorities will be wide receiver Eric Decker, who has had back-to-back 1,000-yard, double-digit touchdown receiving seasons. His 87 catches and 1,288 receiving yards this year were career highs.

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Decker should draw considerable attention from teams looking for a talented receiver, and he could entertain those offers to play where he would be the star attraction and top target. In Denver, he's a star off the field and part of an ensemble on it, playing alongside Demaryius Thomas — with whom he is so close that Thomas served as a groomsman in Decker's June wedding — and slot receiver Wes Welker.

The Broncos gave new contracts in 2013 to offensive linemen Ryan Clady, Louis Vasquez, Manny Ramirez and Chris Clark. Now starting left guard Zane Beadles, a Pro Bowler in 2012, is set to become a free agent.

Running back Knowshon Moreno, a 2009 first-round pick who had his first 1,000-yard season in 2013, also will hit the market and seems the most unlikely to return to the Broncos. Denver used a second-round pick on tailback Montee Ball in 2013, and Ball assumed an increasingly larger role in the offense as the season progressed.

Among the defensive players with expiring contracts are starting right cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who played this season on a one-year, $4 million deal; linebacker and longtime team captain Wesley Woodyard, whose role was reduced to passing downs this season, and defensive end Shaun Phillips, who led the Broncos in sacks with 10½.

But the most interesting defensive decision will be with cornerback Champ Bailey, who is scheduled to make $10 million (and will count $10 million against the salary cap). Expect Bailey, 35, and his agent to meet with Elway soon to discuss their options. Denver cannot afford to keep Bailey with his current contract, especially after he missed most of 2013 with an injury, but he could be willing to negotiate in order to stay.

Bailey had no interest in signing with another team in 2011, the last time his contract was set to expire.

While the Broncos try to figure out if they can afford big deals for Decker and Co., they must also be mindful of the crop of free agents in 2015 — a class that will be even more costly, as the rookie deals for Thomas, tight end Julius Thomas and star pass rusher Von Miller are set to expire.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson dives for the first down marker while defended by Denver Broncos defensive end Robert Ayers and strong safety Duke Ihenacho during the first quarter of Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium.
Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports

Feb 2, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; A general view fireworks during the national anthem before the start of Super Bowl XLVIII between the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: USATSI-131860 ORIG FILE ID: 20140202_jtl_sj8_005.JPG
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